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Taste Testing Jobs in Duluth, MN (NOW HIRING)

Experienced Staff Engineer

Duluth, MN · On-site

$73K - $109K/yr

Perform routine lab testing, analysis, and curation with limited oversight and instructs less ... time worked); rarely taste/smell, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing ladders, lifts or ...

... materials testing projects. This is an opportunity to bring your technical expertise, project ... time worked); rarely taste/smell, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing ladders, lifts or ...

... materials testing projects. This is an opportunity to bring your technical expertise, project ... time worked); rarely taste/smell, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing ladders, lifts or ...

Taste Testing information

See Duluth, MN salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do taste testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for taste testing in Duluth, MN is $25.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $28.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is taste testing?

Taste testing is the process of sampling and evaluating foods or beverages to assess their flavor, texture, aroma, and overall quality. It is commonly used by food manufacturers, restaurants, and research organizations to gather feedback on new products or recipes. Professional taste testers, also known as sensory analysts, may be trained to detect subtle differences in taste and texture, while consumer taste testers provide insights based on personal preference. The results from taste testing help companies improve existing products and develop new ones that better meet consumer expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a taste tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Taste Tester, you need a refined palate, sensory evaluation skills, and often a background in food science or culinary arts. Familiarity with sensory analysis tools, tasting protocols, and sometimes certifications such as sensory panel training are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and objectivity help professionals provide accurate and constructive feedback. These skills are vital for ensuring product quality, consistency, and consumer satisfaction in the food and beverage industry.

What are some of the common challenges faced by taste testers, and how can they be managed?

Taste testers often encounter challenges such as palate fatigue, maintaining objectivity, and adhering to strict dietary guidelines. To manage palate fatigue, testers take regular breaks and cleanse their palates between samples. Staying objective requires following standardized evaluation protocols and sometimes participating in blind testing panels. Additionally, taste testers must be vigilant about allergens and food sensitivities, making communication with supervisors and teams crucial for safety and effectiveness.

What is the difference between Taste Testing vs Food Quality Inspector?

AspectTaste TestingFood Quality Inspector
Required CredentialsNone or basic sensory trainingFood safety certifications, quality assurance training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, tasting roomsManufacturing plants, inspection sites, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, flavor houses, research labsFood manufacturing, regulatory agencies, quality assurance firms

While both roles involve working with food, Taste Testing focuses on evaluating flavor, aroma, and overall sensory experience, often without formal certifications. Food Quality Inspectors assess compliance with safety and quality standards, requiring certifications and detailed inspections. Taste Testing is more subjective and sensory-based, whereas Food Quality Inspectors perform objective evaluations to ensure product safety and standards.

Can you get paid to taste test food?

Taste testing jobs are paid positions where individuals evaluate food products for companies, often requiring sensory skills and attention to detail. Payment can vary from hourly wages to product compensation, and some roles may involve participating in focus groups or product development sessions.

How do I get a job as a taste tester?

To become a taste tester, you typically need a good sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and sometimes a background in food science or related fields. Many companies hire taste testers for product development or quality control, and applying through food companies, testing agencies, or online platforms can be effective. Some roles may require specific certifications or the ability to work flexible hours in a sensory evaluation environment.

How much does taste testing pay?

Taste testing jobs typically pay between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on the company and location. Some opportunities may offer flat rates for specific projects or product testing sessions, which can last from 30 minutes to a few hours. Experience and the type of products tested can influence pay rates for taste testers.

Is being a taste tester a real job?

Yes, being a taste tester is a legitimate job where individuals evaluate the flavor, texture, and quality of food or beverages. It often requires good sensory skills, attention to detail, and sometimes specific training or certifications, depending on the industry or company. Taste testers are employed by food companies, research labs, or quality control departments to help develop or ensure product standards.

What cities near Duluth, MN are hiring for Taste Testing jobs?

Cities near Duluth, MN with the most Taste Testing job openings:

Infographic showing various Taste Testing job openings in Duluth, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,331 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Experienced Staff Engineer

Braun Intertec Corporation

Duluth, MN • On-site

$73 - $109/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Braun Intertec rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Exciting things are happening at Braun Intertec—and we’re growing our team in Duluth, Minnesota! We’re looking for an experienced Staff Engineer to join our team and play a key role in delivering complex geotechnical, special inspection, and construction materials testing projects. This is an opportunity to bring your technical expertise, project leadership, and client relationship skills to a growing team working on challenging projects that help shape the communities and infrastructure of Northern Minnesota. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, mentor and develop others, build strong client partnerships, and lead projects from concept through completion, we’d love to have you join us.

SIGNING BONUS UP TO $5,000!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conduct routine geotechnical site observations, construction inspections, and field testing with limited oversight.
  • Perform routine lab testing, analysis, and curation with limited oversight and instructs less experienced personnel.
  • Prepares reports and documents project data with regular direction.
  • Maintain client communication and build relationships; anticipate and meet client needs.
  • Prepares proposals for routine geotechnical and material testing projects with direction.
  • Manage small to medium sized, low to moderate complexity CMT projects.
  • Performs engineering analysis using company and industry methods/standards under the direction of more senior engineers.
  • Develops solutions, makes recommendations, and prepares engineering reports for simple projects for review by senior engineers.
  • Complete safety training as required and consistently communicate project safety requirements to all team members.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Required Skills and Competencies
  • Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to do data analysis.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications and technical standards.
  • Proficient in Microsoft applications.
  • Possess problem solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Able to understand and apply various mechanical concepts and principles.
  • Utilize software to solve engineering problems with direction.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil or Geotechnical engineering, or closely related field.
  • Experience and/or Training: Minimum 2 years prior professional consulting experience or 2 years with advanced degree (MS, PhD) required. Geotechnical experience preferred.
  • Licenses/Certificates: Current driver’s license required; possess EIT certification. Able to obtain PE licensure within 12-24 months.
  • Technology/Equipment: Experience with Microsoft applications. Experience with geotechnical analytical software preferred.
Physical and Mental Demands

Essential:Hearing (correctable) and vision including close vision, distance vision, and color vision (all correctable), continuous sitting or standing at desk or workstation, wrist turning, grasping, pinching, and finger manipulation, other physical requirements typical of working on a computer and talking on a phone (65%-100% of the time worked); frequent walking, lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs., turning and twisting (30%-64% of the time worked); occasional reaching, lifting or carrying up to 70 lbs., and push/pull up to 50 lbs. (11%-29% of the time worked); rarely taste/smell, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing ladders, lifts or scaffolding (0-9% of the time worked).

Working Environment

Work/Environment Often will be a jobsite environment which will often be loud, can be outside in all weather conditions and/or tightly enclosed areas and can have uneven walking surfaces. Often there will be an office environment, using computer, telephone, other office equipment as needed to perform duties, frequent interruptions throughout the day likely.

Travel Requirements

Position requires limited travel, estimated at approximately 5–10% of work time primarily within state, with occasional travel outside the state.

Compensation Range: $73,000.00 - $109,000.00

As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status. Braun Intertec strives to ensure that its careers web site is accessible to all.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Braun Intertec is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.

At Braun Intertec, we work at the intersection of the natural and built environments, combining science, technology, and engineering. We partner with you to meet today's technical needs while preserving the integrity of our natural surroundings. Join Braun Intertec as we build a future where nature and innovation coexist, powered by a team committed to making a positive difference.

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